Faulty elections are root of problem

I read Kay Rivera’s “Healthier Ps and Ds” (8/13/18). I was impressed when Rivera quoted Prof. Maria Ela Atienza, who stated that “The key is for the government to first address present concerns—the need for good governance at multiple levels of government.”

In effect, what Atienza stated was that, without first solving the primary concerns of the government and other related issues, efforts toward having a governance that will move us forward will come to naught. Criminality, corruption, bad decision-making processes and the many other problems related to governance are a result of the lack of good and honest leadership.

Only with a competent and honest person at the helm of the country will we surely move forward. We have all the natural ingredients of an advanced country, and there should be no reason why we remain where we are now—at the near bottom of the heap. Our people do not need to suffer this malady. All the bad elements that place us in this situation emanate from a single activity: faulty elections.

If all the money that goes to the pockets of politicians and their financial supporters will be used for the country, imagine how much improvement to the nation’s future that will bring. Also, consider where we can go as a nation if we have leaders who will truly decide according to the best interests of the people.

If we address the faults in our elections that lead to dishonest and bad leaders, we will be able to give to the people the kind of government they long to have.

GUILLERMO G. CUNANAN, gerrycunanan@gmail.com